Kathmandu, 4 Oct: Due to continuous rainfall, the floods in the Bagmati River have started entering the settlements, forcing locals along the riverbank to leave their homes.
Residents of Thapathali, Teku Dobhan, and Balkhu have begun carrying their belongings and moving out. They said that since they suffered heavy losses in last year’s floods, they had already made preparations this year to escape earlier if needed.
Those who have not yet left said they are on standby, ready to move as soon as the floodwaters enter the settlement. “Some have already left. We are waiting a little while longer, but we are fully prepared to flee. We’ve packed the essential items,” one resident said.
Similarly, the squatters’ settlement in Thapathali is being prepared for relocation to a nearby school.
Superintendent of Police Bishnu Joshi of Kathmandu Metropolitan Police told Onlinekhabar that arrangements are being made to move the residents to the nearby Vishwo Niketan School.
“We are preparing to relocate them to Vishwo Niketan. Work is underway. We’ve told the residents of Thapathali that they need to move there. They are also making preparations accordingly, and some have already started staying at the school,” Joshi said.
Residents of vulnerable settlements in Kathmandu are being relocated to schools
The Education Department of Kathmandu Metropolitan City has issued a directive instructing all community and institutional schools to remain on standby for disaster management.
The directive was issued after the continuous rainfall increased water flow in rivers within the metropolitan area, raising the risk of flooding. According to the metropolis, residents of vulnerable settlements near riverbanks are being relocated to nearby schools.
The Disaster Management Department of the metropolis stated that the water levels of rivers such as the Bagmati and Bishnumati are under close observation. In areas like Thali, Baneshwor, Koteshwor, and Dobhan, schools have been identified as shelters in coordination with local ward representatives.
Since residents may lack adequate places to stay, sleep, or take shelter during a disaster, schools have been instructed to ensure the availability of basic facilities such as toilets, drinking water, safe spaces, and to support rescue operations.
The metropolis also deployed technical teams to monitor high-risk areas last year and continues to maintain regular surveillance.
Although no major flooding has occurred so far, precautionary measures have been adopted in view of potential risks. All rescue and management operations will be carried out under the coordination of Kathmandu Metropolitan City.
